Adapter assembly for lifting a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An adapter assembly for lifting a vehicle includes an adapter defining a first pin aperture, a second pin aperture, and an adapter aperture, a first pin, a second pin, and a cross member removably received by the adapter aperture. The first pin is configured to be removably received by the first pin aperture and a first aperture defined by a frame of the vehicle to selectively couple the adapter to the frame. The second pin is configured to be removably received by the second pin aperture and a second aperture defined by the frame of the vehicle to selectively couple the adapter to the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/407,915, filed Aug. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/228,228, filed Apr. 12, 2021, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/465,431, filed onMar. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,974,938, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Lift devices are commonly used when performing maintenance on a vehicle.Lift devices provide increased access to the underside of a vehicle byelevating the vehicle further from the ground to provide increasedground clearance. This increased ground clearance facilitates certainmaintenance procedures that might otherwise prove difficult. Liftdevices may additionally be used to support the vehicle when thetractive elements of the vehicle (e.g., wheels), normally in contactwith the ground, are removed. Examples of lift devices include jacks,such as manual scissor jacks carried in automobiles for changing a tirealongside the road, and jack stands that maintain the elevation of thevehicle once it has been lifted.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter assembly forlifting a vehicle. The adapter assembly includes an adapter defining afirst pin aperture, a second pin aperture, and an adapter aperture, afirst pin, a second pin, and a cross member removably received by theadapter aperture. The first pin is configured to be removably receivedby the first pin aperture and a first aperture defined by a frame of thevehicle to selectively couple the adapter to the frame. The second pinis configured to be removably received by the second pin aperture and asecond aperture defined by the frame of the vehicle to selectivelycouple the adapter to the frame.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter for lifting avehicle. The adapter defines (a) a first pin aperture configured toremovably receive a first pin to selectively couple the adapter to aframe of the vehicle, (b) a second pin aperture configured to removablyreceive a second pin to selectively couple the adapter to the frame ofthe vehicle, and (c) an adapter aperture configured to removably receivea cross member. The adapter aperture has a circular cross section.

Still another embodiment of the invention relates to a method forlifting a vehicle. The method includes providing an adapter defining anadapter aperture, a first pin aperture, and a second pin aperture. Themethod further includes inserting a first pin through (a) the first pinaperture of the adapter and (b) a first aperture defined by a frame ofthe vehicle and inserting a second pin through (a) the second pinaperture of the adapter and (b) a second aperture defined by the frameto couple the adapter to the frame. The method further includesinserting a cross member at least partially through the adapter apertureand applying a lifting force to the vehicle through the cross member andthe adapter such that the vehicle is moved from a lowered position to anelevated position.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried outin various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to otherfeatures and combinations of features as may be recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle lift assembly elevating avehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 , according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adapter of the vehicle lift assemblyof FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lift device of the vehicle assembly ofFIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vehicle lift assembly of FIG. 1including a pair of stands, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage cart of the vehicle liftassembly of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a section view of the storage cart of FIG. 6 , according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle lift assembly of FIG. 1including a pair of side stands, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an interface of the side stands of FIG.8 , according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of lifting a vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an assembly, shown as lift assembly 10, may beused to elevate a vehicle, shown as vehicle 20, from a lowered positionto an elevated position. One exemplary embodiment of vehicle 20 is shownin FIG. 2 . The vehicle 20 includes a chassis 22 which further includesa frame 24 that supports a body assembly including a cabin 30. The frame24 of the vehicle 20 engages a plurality of tractive assemblies, shownas front tractive assemblies 40 and rear tractive assemblies 42. In someembodiments, the vehicle 20 includes a plurality of front tractiveassemblies 40 and/or a plurality of rear tractive assemblies 42 (e.g.,one, two, etc.). The front tractive assemblies 40 and/or the reartractive assemblies 42 may include brakes (e.g., disc brakes, drumbrakes, air brakes, etc.), gear reductions, steering components, wheelhubs, wheels, tires, and/or other features. As shown in FIG. 2 , thefront tractive assemblies 40 and the rear tractive assemblies 42 eachinclude tractive elements, shown as wheel and tire assemblies 44. Inother embodiments, at least one of the front tractive assemblies 40 andthe rear tractive assemblies 42 include a different type of tractiveelement (e.g., a track, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, thecabin 30 includes one or more doors, shown as doors 32, that facilitateentering and exiting an interior of the cabin 30. The interior of thecabin 30 may include a plurality of seats (e.g., two, three, four, five,etc.), vehicle controls, driving components (e.g., steering wheel,accelerator pedal, brake pedal, etc.), etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 20 includes apowertrain system. The powertrain system may include a primary driver(e.g., an engine, a motor, etc.), an energy generation device (e.g., agenerator, etc.), and/or an energy storage device (e.g., a battery,capacitors, ultra-capacitors, etc.) electrically coupled to the energygeneration device. The primary driver may receive fuel (e.g., gasoline,diesel, etc.) from a fuel tank and combust the fuel to generatemechanical energy. A transmission may receive the mechanical energy andprovide an output to the generator. The generator may be configured toconvert mechanical energy into electrical energy that may be stored bythe energy storage device. The energy storage device may provideelectrical energy to a motive driver to power at least one of the fronttractive assemblies 40 and the rear tractive assemblies 42. In someembodiments, each of the front tractive assemblies 40 and/or the reartractive assemblies 42 include an individual motive driver (e.g., amotor that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device, etc.)configured to facilitate independently driving each of the wheel andtire assemblies 44. In some embodiments, a transmission of the vehicle20 is rotationally coupled to the primary driver, a transfer caseassembly, and one or more drive shafts. The one or more drive shafts maybe received by one or more differentials configured to convey therotational energy of the drive shaft to a final drive (e.g., half-shaftscoupled to the wheel and tire assemblies 44, etc.). The final drive maythen propel or move the vehicle 20. In such embodiments, the vehicle 20may not include the generator and/or the energy storage device. Thepowertrain of the vehicle 20 may thereby be a hybrid powertrain or anon-hybrid powertrain. According to an exemplary embodiment, the primarydriver is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine thatutilizes diesel fuel. In alternative embodiments, the primary driver isanother type of device (e.g., spark-ignition engine, fuel cell, electricmotor, etc.) that is otherwise powered (e.g., with gasoline, compressednatural gas, hydrogen, electricity, etc.).

In some embodiments, the vehicle 20 is an off-road vehicle such as autility task vehicle, a recreational off-highway vehicle, an all-terrainvehicle, a sport utility vehicle, and/or still another vehicle. In otherembodiments, the vehicle 20 is another type of off-road vehicle such asmining, construction, and/or farming equipment. In still otherembodiments, the vehicle 20 is an aerial truck, a rescue truck, anaircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) truck, a concrete mixer truck, arefuse truck, a commercial truck, a tanker, an ambulance, and/or stillanother vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle 20 is a militaryground vehicle. The chassis 22 may be monocoque, and the frame 24 maynot include frame rails. The omission of frame rails may increase theoverall blast resistance of the vehicle 20.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the frame 24 includes a pair of tow points50 disposed at the front of the vehicle 20. Throughout a normaloperation of the vehicle 20, the tow points 50 may be used to couple thevehicle 20 to another object. By way of example, the tow points 50 maybe attached to another vehicle (e.g., using cables or chains, etc.) tofacilitate towing of the other vehicle by the vehicle 20. As shown, thetow points 50 are equally spaced laterally from a longitudinalcenterline of the vehicle 20. In other embodiments, the frame 24 mayinclude more or fewer tow points 50 located at or near the front of thevehicle. By way of example, the frame 24 may include one tow point 50located along the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 20. In someembodiments, the vehicle 20 includes additional or alternative towpoints 50 at or near the rear of the vehicle 20.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the tow points 50 are shown to include a body 52defining a number of tow apertures 54, shown as tow eyes or tie downeyes, passing laterally through the body 52. The tow apertures 54 mayfacilitate attaching chain, rope, cable, bolts, straps, etc. to thevehicle 20. During normal operation of the vehicle 20, the tow apertures54 may be used when towing another object, such as a vehicle, trailer,or obstruction (e.g., a fallen tree, etc.) and/or to facilitate towingvehicle 20 (e.g., with another vehicle). The tow apertures 54 mayfacilitate attaching the vehicle 20 to a surface such that movementbetween the vehicle 20 and the surface is prevented. By way of example,straps may be run through the tow eyes and coupled to a bed of anothervehicle, such as a rail car or trailer bed, during transport of thevehicle 20. In some embodiments, one or more of the tow apertures 54 areomitted from the tow points 50. Although the tow apertures 54 are shownto have specific diameters, it should be understood that the sizes ofthe apertures may be varied depending on the intended use of the vehicle20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the lift assembly 10 includes a pair ofadapter assemblies, shown as adapters 100. The adapters 100 include apair of plates 102. The pair of plates 102 are spaced an offset distanceapart from each other. A ring, shown as adapter ring 104, extendsthrough both plates 102 and defines an adapter aperture 106. The adapterring 104 is coupled (e.g., by welding, by a threaded connection, etc.)to both plates 102. The adapters 100 further include reinforcementplates 108 extend laterally between the two plates 102. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , the reinforcement plate 108 extends through both plates102 and is coupled to both plates 102 (e.g., by welding, by a boltedconnection, etc.). The reinforcement plate 108 provides additionalrigidity to the structure of the adapter 100. In some embodiments, thereinforcement plate 108 is omitted. In some embodiments, the adapterring 104 does not fully enclose the adapter aperture 106. By way ofexample, a bottom portion of the adapter ring 104 and the plates 102 maybe open such that the adapter aperture 106 is exposed from a bottom ofthe adapter 100. The opening may facilitate inserting the cross member220 into the adapter aperture 106 from a bottom side of the adapter 100(e.g., by lifting the cross member 220 into the adapter aperture 106with the lift device 200).

A set of pins 120 pass through apertures 122 in each plate 102. The pins120 pass through the tow apertures 54 of a corresponding tow point 50,coupling the adapter 100 to the tow point 50. When using the liftassembly 10 to lift the vehicle 20, a lifting force is applied to theadapter 100 through the adapter ring 104, and the pins 120 transfer thelifting force to the vehicle 20. Although the pins 120 are shown asround pins with a formed head on one end that are pinned on the oppositeend, the pins 120 may be another removable member capable oftransferring a lifting force through the adapter 100 into the tow point50 (e.g., a bolt, a hexagonal pin, etc.). In some embodiments, the pins120 are removable without the use of tools. In some embodiments, thepins 120 are sized to be a similar diameter to the tow apertures 54(e.g., to reduce “slop” in the connection and prevent movement of theadapter 100 relative to the tow point 50, etc.). In other embodiments,as shown in FIG. 3 , one or more of the tow apertures 54 has a largerdiameter than the pins 120.

The pins 120 prevent rotation of the adapter 100 relative to itscorresponding tow point 50 and may assist with alignment of the adapteraperture 106. In some embodiments, the pins 120 are spaced differentdistances away from the adapter ring 104. By way of example, an upperedge 130 of the plate 102 may be shorter than a lower edge 132 of theplate 102 to accommodate a shorter distance between the upper pin 120and the adapter ring 104 than between the lower pin 120 and the adapterring 104, such as shown in FIG. 3 . Adapter 100 with a distance betweenthe upper pin 120 and the adapter ring 104 shorter moves the adapteraperture 106 upwards relative to the ground when attached to the towpoint 50. The pins 120 may be otherwise located to adjust the positionof the adapter aperture 106. In other embodiments, the adapter 100includes one pin 120. By way of example, the vehicle 20 may only includeone tow aperture 54 in each tow point 50. In some such embodiments, theadapter 100 is prevented from rotating while lifting the vehicle 20 bycontact between a component of the adapter 100 and an outer surface ofthe body 52. By way of example, the reinforcement plate 108 may belocated within the adapter 100 such that it contacts an outer surface ofthe body 52, preventing rotation. In other such embodiments, the adapter100 couples to the tow point 50 using only one pin, and the adapter 100can freely rotate. This method of coupling the adapter 100 to the towpoint 50 may be employed in embodiments where the tow points 50 are thefrontmost part of the vehicle 20, such that the adapters 100 may rotateupwards during a lifting operation without contacting another portion ofthe vehicle 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the lift assembly 10 includes a lift device200 configured to interface with the adapters 100 and direct a liftingforce through the adapters 100 to lift the vehicle 20 (e.g., from alowered position to an elevated position, etc.). In the loweredposition, the tires of the vehicle 20 may contact a ground surfacetherebelow, and in the elevated position, the tires of the vehicle 20may be lifted from the ground surface. The lift device 200 includes alift base 202 coupled to a pair of receivers 204. The receivers includea member, shown as tubular member 206, coupled (e.g., welded, bolted,etc.) to a cradle 208. A cross member 220 (e.g., of an adapter assembly,etc.) is configured to be received by the cradle 208 of each receiver204 as shown in FIG. 1 . When engaged with the receivers 204, the crossmember 220 extends laterally across the lift device 200. When lifting,the cradles 208 apply a vertical lifting force to the cross member 220.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the cradles 208 onlypartially enclose the cross member 220 (e.g., engage a bottom or lowerunderside of the cross member 220, etc.). Cradles 208 facilitate settingthe cross member 220 into the cradles 208 from above the receivers 204and facilitates lifting the cross member 220 vertically from thereceivers 204. In another embodiment, the cradles 208 enclose a greaterportion of the cross member 220, the enclosing portion of the cradles208 inhibiting movement from the receivers 204 from above. In both suchembodiments, cross member 220 can be slid into the cradles 208 from theside of the lift device 200. The cross member 220 and the cradles 208may define corresponding apertures 222 through which a pin (e.g., abolt, a cotter pin, etc.) may be positioned to prevent relative movement(e.g., lateral translation, vertical translation, rotation, etc.)between the cross member 220 and the receivers 204.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the cross member 220 passes through both ofthe adapter apertures 106. The adapter rings 104 and cross member 220may be sized relative to one another to facilitate the cross member 220passing freely through the adapter apertures 106. When in place in theadapters 100, the cross member 220 extends laterally relative to thevehicle 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the cross member 220, thecradles 208, and the adapter rings 104 are all circular, facilitatingrotation of the components relative to one another (e.g., for alignmentpurposes, etc.). In other embodiments, such components may have adifferent cross sectional shape (e.g., square, triangular, etc.) thatprevents rotation.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a lifting force is applied to the lift base 202 bya hydraulic cylinder 230 including a tube, shown as cylinder body 232,and a rod, shown as cylinder rod 234. The body 232 is included as partof (e.g., integrally formed with, coupled to, etc.) the lift base 202.The cylinder 230 may further include a manipulator, shown as handle 236,configured to facilitate controlling the movement of the hydrauliccylinder 230. By way of example, the handle 236 may be coupled to theappropriate valving that facilitates lifting base 202 by pumping thehandle 236 and lower the lift base 202 by turning the handle 236. Therod 234 is coupled to a cart 240 that supports the lift base 202 and,when lifting, the weight of the vehicle 20. The cart 240 may include oneor more wheels 242 configured to facilitate transport and manipulation(e.g., turning, translating, etc.) of the lift device 200. The relativepositions of the lift base 202 and the receivers 204 may be adjustable.As shown in FIG. 4 , the receivers 204 are received by and slidablycoupled to vertical tubes 250 and secured with pins 252. The verticaltubes 250 and the tubular member 206 may include multiple sets of holesthrough which the pin 252 may be positioned to allow for verticaladjustment of the receivers 204. As shown in FIG. 4 , the vertical tubes250 are received by and slidably coupled to a horizontal tube 254. Suchan arrangement facilitates lateral adjustment of the receivers 204. Thehorizontal tube 254 may be pinned similarly to the vertical tubes toselectively fix the vertical tubes 250 relative to the horizontal tube254.

When lifting, the lift device 200 provides a lifting force through thereceivers 204, through the cross member 220, through the adapters 100,and into the tow points 50, lifting the vehicle 20. In a loweredposition, shown in FIG. 1 , the weight of the vehicle is fully supportedby a component of the vehicle 20 (e.g., the wheel and tire assemblies44) and/or at least a portion of the vehicle is disposed along a groundsurface (e.g., such as the rim of the wheel and tire assemblies 44should a flat tire condition occur, etc.). In an elevated position, aportion of the weight of the vehicle 20 (e.g., 10% of the weight, 100%of the weight, etc.) is supported by the lift assembly 10. The systemsof the present application facilitates selectively lifting the vehicle20 to a variable height depending on a number of factors, including thepreference of the operator. In the elevated position, a portion of thevehicle 20 may still contact the ground. The lift device 200 may be usedto controllably move the vehicle 20 between the lowered position and theelevated position.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the lift assembly 10 further includes a pair ofstands, shown as front stands 300. In one embodiment, the front stands300 are configured to support the vehicle 20 in an elevated position.The stands 300 may be placed directly below the cross member 220 and beconfigured to direct the weight of the vehicle 20 into the ground. Thestands 300 each include an interface 302 coupled to a member, shown astubular stand member 304, and a base 310. The interface 302 may beshaped similarly to the cradle 208, and the interface 302 and the crossmember 220 may include corresponding apertures similar in function andconstruction to apertures 222. The base 310 includes a vertical tubularportion 312. A base plate 314 is coupled to a bottom portion of thetubular portion 312, and a number of ribs 316 extend between the baseplate 314 and the tubular portion 312. The base plate 314 is larger thanthe tubular portion 312 and facilitates distributing the weight of thevehicle 20 across the ground surface. The size of the base plate 314additionally increases the stability of the stand 300. The ribs 316 addstructural rigidity to the base 310. The stand member 304 is received byand slidably coupled to the tubular portion 312 of the base 310. Thetubular portion 312 and the stand member 304 each define a plurality ofholding apertures 320 configured to align with one another when thestand member 304 is extended predefined distances from the tubularportion 312. A pin 322 may be extended through the holding apertures 320of both the tubular portion 312 and the stand member 304 such that thestands 300 support the cross member 220 at various predefined heights.In some embodiments, the pin 322 is extended through the holdingapertures 320 of either the tubular portion 312 or the stand member 304and contacts an end of the other to support the cross member 220 atother heights. The lengths of the tubular portion 312 and the standmember 304 may be changed to support the vehicle 20 at various heightranges. In some embodiments, the stands 300 include multiple sets oftubular portions 312 and/or stand members 304 with various lengths thatcan be interchanged.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , the stands 300 may be used in conjunctionwith the lift device 200 to support the vehicle 20. The lift device 200may be used to lift the vehicle 20 into an elevated position. Once thevehicle 20 is elevated, the stands 300 may be placed underneath thecross member 220 such that the interfaces 302 are aligned and engageablewith the cross member 220. The lift base 202 may be lowered, such thatthe cross member 220 lowers onto (and directly contacts) the stands 300.The lift base 202 may then be lowered further until the receivers 204 nolonger contact the cross member 220. The lift device 200 may then beremoved (e.g., by sliding away from the vehicle 20, etc.) while thestands 300 support the vehicle 20 in an elevated position. In someembodiments, the cross member 220 is of a sufficient length that thelift device 200 and the stands 300 contact the cross member 220simultaneously. In such embodiments, the stands 300 may be spaced agreater distance apart from one another than the distance separating thetwo receivers 204.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the lift assembly 10 includes a cart, shown asstorage cart 400, that is configured to store various other componentsof the lift assembly 10. The cart 400 includes a base 402 including afront wall 404, a rear wall 406, a pair of side walls 408, and a floor410 shown as formed from sheet metal and coupled (e.g., welded, etc.) toone another. The base 402 may include one or more wheels 412 tofacilitate transport and manipulation of the cart 400. The base 402 isconfigured to store the stands 300. The base 402 may include variouspockets 420 and apertures 422 to accommodate storage of the stand 300.As shown in FIG. 6 , the interface 302 and stand member 304 areseparated from the base 310 and stored in the base 402. The floor 410includes pockets 420 that receive the interface 302, the stand member304, and the base 310. The side walls 408 include apertures toaccommodate insertion of the stand member 304 and the base 310. Asshown, the stands 300 include two sets of interfaces 302 coupled tostand members 304 of different lengths. A pair of fork tubes 430 arecoupled to the front wall 404 and the rear wall 406. The fork tubes 430define a fork aperture 432 and a crane aperture 434. The fork apertures432 facilitate entrance of a pair of utility forks (e.g., driven byanother vehicle a fork truck or fork lift, etc.) into the fork tubes430. The other vehicle may then apply a lifting force on the base 402 tolift the cart (e.g., onto a shelf, onto a truck, for transport, etc.).The crane apertures 434 act as an interface between a hook driven by avehicle (e.g., a boom truck, a mobile crane, a standing crane, etc.).The other vehicle may then apply a lifting force on the base 402 to liftthe cart 400. In other embodiments, the base 402 is otherwise lifted.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the base 402 includes a pair of receivers450 configured to receive the cross member 220. The receivers 450 extendrearward from the rear wall 406 as shown in FIG. 6 . The receiver 450defines an angled portion 452, a cradle portion 454, and a rear portion456. When aligning the cross member 220 with the receivers 450, theangled portions 452 contact the cross member 220 and draw it into thecradle portion 454 where the cross member 220 is received to compensatefor any initial misalignment. The cradle portion 454 hold the crossmember 220 in place with the adapters 100 attached. As shown, the rearportion 456 continues the curvature of the cradle portion 454. In otherembodiments, the rear portion 456 is angled opposite the angled portion452 to further compensate for misalignment. In some embodiments, thecart 400 includes a cable 460 coupled to both the receiver 450 and acoupler 462. The coupler 462 selectively couples (e.g., using aremovable pin, etc.) the cable 460 to the fork tube 430. Such couplingencloses the cross member 220 between the cable 460, the receiver 450,and the base 402, preventing unintended dislodgement of the cross member220. When applying a lifting force through the crane apertures 434, thebase 402 may pivot about the crane apertures 434, and the cable 460 andthe rear portion 456 may prevent unintended dislodgement of the crossmember 220.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the lift assembly 10 includes a pair of stands,shown as side stands 500, configured to support the vehicle 20. The sidestands include an interface 502 coupled to a tubular stand member 504, abase 510 slidably coupled to the tubular stand member 504, and a pin522. The tubular stand member 504, the base 510, and the pin 522 mayfunction similarly to corresponding components of the stand 300. Theside stands 500 may be stored in the cart 400 similarly to the stands300. As shown in FIG. 8 , the interface 502 is configured to be coupledto a side of the vehicle 20 (e.g., the front side, the back side, theleft side, the right side, etc.). The frame 24 of the vehicle 20 isshown to include a panel 530 that is fastened to the frame 24 with anumber of fasteners 532. The interface 502 is configured to receive thefasteners 532 and support the vehicle 20 by applying a lifting forcethrough the fasteners 532. The side stands 500 may be used alone or inconjunction with the stands 300.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the interface 502 includes a member 550 coupled toa plate 552, a pair of ribs 554 coupled to the member 550 and the plate552, and a support plate 556 coupled to the plate 552 opposite themember 550. The member 550 may include an aperture to receive standmember 504. In some embodiments, the member 550 and the stand member 504are coupled (e.g., with a threaded connection, etc.). A pair ofapertures 558 are defined in the plate 552 and the support plate 556.These apertures 558 receive the fasteners 532. As shown in FIG. 9 , theapertures 558 include two overlapping circular cutouts. The overlappingcircular cutouts are positioned such that the interface 502 mayaccommodate different spacing distances of the fasteners 532 (e.g., fordifferent vehicles, etc.). The support plate 556 increases the area ofthe interface 502 that supports the fasteners 532 to prevent deformationof the apertures 558. The ribs 554 provide additional rigidity to theinterface 502. A slot 560 extends laterally across the interface 502 andmay facilitate grasping of the interface 502 by an operator.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a method 600 of lifting a vehicle is shown,according to an exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, method 600is used with one or more of the vehicle 20, the adapters 100, the liftdevice 200, the stands 300, and the side stands 500. In otherembodiments, the method 600 is used with other components. In step 602,the adapters 100 are coupled to the tow points 50 of the vehicle. Theadapters 100 may be coupled to the tow apertures 54 using the pins 120as discussed above. In step 604, the cross member 220 is insertedthrough both of the adapter apertures 106. In some embodiments, thecross member 220 extends only partially through each adapter 100. Instep 606, the lift device 200 is arranged underneath the cross member220 such that the receivers 204 are aligned with the cross member 220.In one embodiment, the receivers 204 are aligned with the cross member220 when the receivers can be raised vertically and come into contactwith the cross member 220 as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, asmall amount of misalignment is accommodated by the systems and methodsdisclosed herein. In step 610, the receivers 204 are raised until bothreceivers 204 receive the cross member 220 as shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., bypumping the hydraulic cylinder 230). In some embodiments, fasteners arepositioned through the apertures 222 to secure the cross member 220 tothe receivers 204. In step 612, a lifting force is applied through thereceivers 204, the cross member 220, and the adapters 100 to the towpoints 50 to lift the vehicle 20. In some embodiments, the receivers 204are lifted by applying a force to the lift base (e.g., by pumping thehydraulic cylinder 230).

In some embodiments, the vehicle 20 is lifted to an elevated position bythe lift device 200. In such embodiments, method 600 may not includesteps 614 and 616. In other embodiments, the vehicle 20 is held in anelevated position by the stands (e.g., the stands 300, the side stands500, etc.). In step 614, the stands are prepared to support the vehicle20. When using the stands 300, the stands 300 are placed underneath thecross member 220, and the interfaces 302 are aligned similarly to thereceivers in step 608. The stands 300 may be spaced apart a sufficientdistance to facilitate removal of the lift device. When using the sidestands 500, the fasteners 532 are removed from the panel 530, threadedthrough the apertures 558 in the interface 502, and reattached to thepanel 530. In step 616, the receivers are lowered, and the stands fullysupport the vehicle 20 in the elevated position. In some embodiments,the bolts coupling the receivers 204 to the cross member 220 are firstremoved. In some embodiments, the cross member 220 is bolted to theinterface 302. The lift device may then be used to lift the other end(e.g., the rear end, the front end) of the vehicle 20. In someembodiments, the lift device is removed to facilitate unobstructedaccess to the underside of the vehicle 20. To lower the vehicle 20, areverse of the method 600 may be followed.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

The construction and arrangements of the vehicle, as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes,and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for lifting a vehicle,the adapter assembly comprising: a first adapter configured toselectively engage with a first pair of pins extending through a firstpair of openings of a frame of the vehicle to couple the first adapterto the frame, the first adapter defining a first adapter aperture; asecond adapter configured to selectively engage with a second pair ofpins extending through a second pair of openings of the frame to couplethe second adapter to the frame, the second adapter defining a secondadapter aperture; and a cross member removably coupled with the firstadapter and the second adapter, the cross member removably received bythe first adapter aperture and the second adapter aperture such that thefirst adapter aperture and the second adapter aperture are aligned;wherein the first adapter defines a first pin aperture and a second pinaperture substantially parallel to one another; wherein the first pairof pins are configured to be removably received by the first pinaperture and the second pin aperture, and also removably received by afirst aperture and a second aperture defined by the frame to removablycouple the first adapter with the frame; and wherein the first adapterincludes a pair of plates spaced apart from one another to form a recesstherebetween that is configured to receive a portion of the frame thatdefines the first aperture and the second aperture.
 2. The adapterassembly of claim 1, wherein the first pin aperture and the second pinaperture are aligned with the recess such that a first pin and a secondpin of the first pair of pins extend into the recess when (a) the firstpin is received by the first pin aperture and the first aperture definedby the frame and (b) the second pin is received by the second pinaperture and the second aperture defined by the frame.
 3. The adapterassembly of claim 1, wherein the second adapter defines a third pinaperture and a fourth pin aperture extending substantially parallel toone another, and wherein the second pair of pins are configured to beremovably received by the third pin aperture and the fourth pinaperture, and also removably received by a third aperture and a fourthaperture defined by the frame to removably couple the second adapterwith the frame.
 4. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the crossmember is configured to engage a lift device, and wherein the crossmember, the first adapter, and the second adapter are configured totransfer a lifting force from the lift device to the frame to lift thevehicle.
 5. An adapter assembly for lifting a vehicle, the adapterassembly comprising: a first adapter including a pair of plates spacedapart from one another to form a recess therebetween and a tubularmember coupled to the pair of plates, wherein the first adapter definesa first pin aperture and a second pin aperture substantially parallel toone another, wherein the recess is configured to receive a portion of aframe of the vehicle that defines a first pair of apertures such that afirst pair of pins are selectively insertable through the first pinaperture, the second pin aperture, and the first pair of apertures ofthe portion of the frame to couple the first adapter to the frame, andwherein the tubular member defines a first adapter aperture; a secondadapter configured to selectively engage with a second pair of pinsextending through a second pair of apertures of the frame to couple thesecond adapter to the frame; and a cross member removably coupled withthe first adapter and the second adapter.
 6. An adapter assembly forlifting a vehicle, the adapter assembly comprising: a first adapterconfigured to selectively engage with a first pair of pins extendingthrough a first pair of openings of a frame of the vehicle to couple thefirst adapter to the frame, the first adapter defining a first adapteraperture; a second adapter configured to selectively engage with asecond pair of pins extending through a second pair of openings of theframe to couple the second adapter to the frame, the second adapterdefining a second adapter aperture; and a cross member removably coupledwith the first adapter and the second adapter, the cross memberremovably received by the first adapter aperture and the second adapteraperture such that the first adapter aperture and the second adapteraperture are aligned, wherein an exterior surface of the cross memberthat is received by the first adapter aperture has a circular crosssection.
 7. The adapter assembly of claim 6, wherein the first adapteraperture has a circular cross section.
 8. An adapter assembly forlifting a vehicle, the adapter assembly comprising: a first adapterconfigured to selectively engage with a first pair of pins extendingthrough a first pair of openings of a frame of the vehicle to couple thefirst adapter to the frame, the first adapter defining a first adapteraperture; a second adapter configured to selectively engage with asecond pair of pins extending through a second pair of openings of theframe to couple the second adapter to the frame, the second adapterdefining a second adapter aperture; and a cross member removably coupledwith the first adapter and the second adapter, the cross memberremovably received by the first adapter aperture and the second adapteraperture such that the first adapter aperture and the second adapteraperture are aligned, wherein the cross member is rotatable relative tothe first adapter.
 9. A method for lifting a vehicle, the methodcomprising: providing an adapter defining an adapter aperture, a firstpin aperture, and a second pin aperture; inserting a first pin through(a) the first pin aperture of the adapter and (b) a first aperturedefined by a frame of the vehicle and inserting a second pin through (a)the second pin aperture of the adapter and (b) a second aperture definedby the frame to couple the adapter to the frame; inserting a crossmember through the adapter aperture; applying a lifting force to thevehicle through the cross member and the adapter such that the vehicleis moved from a lowered position to an elevated position; returning thevehicle to the lowered position; removing the cross member from theadapter aperture; removing the first pin from the first pin aperture andthe first aperture defined by the frame of the vehicle; and removing thesecond pin from the second pin aperture and the second aperture definedby the frame of the vehicle.
 10. A method for lifting a vehicle, themethod comprising: providing an adapter defining an adapter aperture, afirst pin aperture, and a second pin aperture; inserting a first pinthrough (a) the first pin aperture of the adapter and (b) a firstaperture defined by a frame of the vehicle and inserting a second pinthrough (a) the second pin aperture of the adapter and (b) a secondaperture defined by the frame to couple the adapter to the frame;inserting a cross member through the adapter aperture, wherein the crossmember extends along an axis, and wherein rotation of the cross memberabout the axis is not limited; rotating the cross member relative to theadapter while the cross member is inserted through the adapter aperture;and applying a lifting force to the vehicle through the cross member andthe adapter such that the vehicle is moved from a lowered position to anelevated position.
 11. A method for lifting a vehicle, the methodcomprising: providing an adapter including a pair of plates spaced apartfrom one another, the adapter defining an adapter aperture, a first pinaperture, and a second pin aperture; inserting a portion of a frame ofthe vehicle between the pair of plates; inserting a first pin through(a) the first pin aperture of the adapter and (b) a first aperturedefined by the frame and inserting a second pin through (a) the secondpin aperture of the adapter and (b) a second aperture defined by theframe to couple the adapter to the frame; inserting a cross memberthrough the adapter aperture; and applying a lifting force to thevehicle through the cross member and the adapter such that the vehicleis moved from a lowered position to an elevated position.
 12. A methodfor lifting a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a first adapterdefining a first adapter aperture, a first pin aperture, and a secondpin aperture; inserting a first pin through (a) the first pin apertureof the first adapter and (b) a first aperture defined by a frame of thevehicle and inserting a second pin through (a) the second pin apertureof the first adapter and (b) a second aperture defined by the frame tocouple the first adapter to the frame; providing a second adapterdefining a second adapter aperture; coupling the second adapter to theframe of the vehicle; inserting a cross member through the first adapteraperture and at least partially through the second adapter aperture suchthat the cross member extends at least partway through the first adapteraperture and the second adapter aperture; and applying a lifting forceto the vehicle through the cross member, the first adapter, and thesecond adapter such that the vehicle is moved from a lowered position toan elevated position.